Best-selling crime writer Peter James presents charity cheque

16 December 2013

International best-selling crime writer Peter James has presented a cheque for £11,300 to children’s charity Action Medical Research.

The funds were raised by the fifth annual Peter James Golf Classic event, held at Haywards Heath Golf Club earlier this year. The competitive charity golf day offers excellent prizes, including a first prize of £400, and the chance to meet the treasured crime writer, as well as raising vital funds to help sick babies and children.

Brighton-born Peter James’ Roy Grace detective novels have sold over five million in the UK alone and 13 million worldwide in total. The stage production of his book The Perfect Murder starts on tour in the UK in the New Year, playing at the Brighton Theatre Royal, 27 January-1 February.

A supporter of the children’s charity and its pioneering work, including contributing to the development of the first polio vaccine, Peter was on hand at the Golf Classic event to present prizes. He once again offered the chance of a mention in his next novel in return for a £1,000 donation to the charity, for which two donations were received on the day.

The day was made possible thanks to many generous sponsors, teams, supporters and donors, including motor dealer Harwoods Group who displayed a Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Audi on the day.

The event was organised by the charity’s Haywards Heath and Lindfield Committee and over the last five years it has raised more than £50,000 for the charity.

Peter James said: “Once again, I am delighted to present this cheque to Action Medical Research. I enjoy the Golf Classic day and being part of helping make a difference to sick babies and children. I've written several novels centred around medical themes; reflecting my interest in medicine, and I know that child health research is desperately underfunded so it's great to work with the charity and be able to help them a little with the incredible work they do. I doubt there is a single person any of us knows, young or old, whos life has not been medically improved in some way as result of the research work that has been done over so many decades by this remarkable charity.

Next year’s Peter James Golf Classic will be held 10 September 2014, again at Haywards Heath Golf Club. Action Medical Research is calling for sponsors, teams and prizes for 2014. Anyone able to help in any of these ways should contact the event organiser Bob Sansom on 01444 412190.